There is disclosed a method for managing a wireless communications network and a communications system. A request to access a single-user service set at a specified location at a specified future time is accepted from a user, the request including configuration information for the private service set. The configuration information is transmitted to an access point selected from a plurality of access points, the selected access point located at the specified location. The selected access point configures the single-user service set at the specified future time using the configuration information.
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1. A method for managing a wireless communications network, comprising: accepting, from a user, a request to access a single-user service set at a specified location at a specified future time, the request including configuration information comprising a service set identifier and a password for the single-user service set; transmitting the configuration information to an access point located at the specified location; and configuring the access point to support, at the specified future time, the single-user service set having the service set identifier and password included in the request.
This invention describes a method for managing a wireless communications network by enabling on-demand, personalized Wi-Fi networks. The system accepts a user's request for a dedicated, single-user Wi-Fi service set (a private network with a specific SSID and password) to be active at a particular physical location and a specified future time. This request includes the desired SSID and password. The system then transmits these network configuration details to the Wi-Fi access point (AP) located at the user-specified physical location. Finally, the AP is automatically configured to support and broadcast this personal Wi-Fi network, using the provided SSID and password, starting precisely at the requested future time. This allows users to reserve and provision their own temporary, private wireless networks at remote locations.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the specified location is a complex remote from a home location of the user, and the specified future time is a future date.
The method for managing a wireless network, where a user reserves a personalized Wi-Fi network, is intended for locations away from the user's home, such as when traveling. The user's request specifies a future date for when the Wi-Fi network should become available at that remote location. For example, a user might reserve a personal Wi-Fi network while on vacation.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the complex is one of a housing complex, an office complex, an industrial complex, a school, a university, a military installation, and a hospital.
The method for managing a wireless network at a remote location, applies to various types of complexes, including: housing complexes (e.g., apartments, hotels), office complexes, industrial complexes, schools, universities, military installations, and hospitals. In all of these locations, a user can reserve a single-user service set.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the complex is a housing complex, and the request to access the single-user service set is received as part of the user making a reservation to stay at the housing complex starting on the future date.
The method for managing a wireless network is particularly useful in housing complexes. When a user makes a reservation to stay at the housing complex starting on a specific date, the request to access the single-user service set, including the Wi-Fi name and password, is submitted as part of that reservation process. Thus the single-user service set is available when the user arrives.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the complex is a housing complex, the user is a member of an affinity group associated with the housing complex, the configuration information is stored as part of the user's affinity group profile, and the request to access the single-user service set is generated automatically when the user makes a reservation to stay at the housing complex starting on the future date.
In a housing complex scenario for managing a wireless network, users may be part of an affinity group (e.g., frequent guests). Their preferred Wi-Fi settings are stored in their affinity group profile. When the user makes a reservation, the request for their personalized Wi-Fi network is automatically generated based on the stored profile, streamlining the process of setting up their network upon arrival.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein transmitting the configuration information to the access point comprises: transmitting the configuration information to an administrator computing device located at the specified location; and the administrator computing device transmitting the configuration to the access point.
The method for managing a wireless network involves sending the Wi-Fi configuration information (name and password) to the access point indirectly. First, the information is transmitted to an administrator's computer at the location. Then, the administrator's computer forwards the configuration data to the specific access point that will host the single-user service set.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: authenticating an identity of the user prior to accepting the request to access the single-user service set.
The method for managing a wireless network adds a security layer by authenticating the user's identity before accepting their request to reserve a personalized Wi-Fi network. This authentication step ensures that only authorized users can schedule and access single-user service sets.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: the access point authenticating an identity of the user prior to configuring the access point to support the single-user service set at the specified future time.
As a further security measure in managing a wireless network, the access point itself authenticates the user's identity before configuring the personalized Wi-Fi network. This authentication happens just before the Wi-Fi network is activated, preventing unauthorized access even if the initial request was compromised.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the configuration information further comprises user policies.
The method for managing a wireless network supports including user-specific network policies in the Wi-Fi configuration. These policies might define bandwidth limits, access restrictions, or other network settings that are tailored to the individual user's needs or preferences.
10. A communications system, comprising: a server and a plurality of access points, the server comprising hardware and software to: accept, from a user, a request to access a single-user service set at a specified location at a specified future time, the request including configuration information comprising a service set identifier and a password for the single-user service set, and transmit the configuration information to an access point selected from the plurality of access points, the selected access point located at the specified location; the selected access point comprising hardware and software that, when configured using the configuration information, supports the single-user service set having the service set identifier and password included in the request at the specified future time.
A communications system consists of a central server and multiple access points. The server allows a user to request a private Wi-Fi network (single-user service set) at a specific location for a scheduled time, including the network name and password. The server sends this configuration to the appropriate access point. The access point uses this configuration to broadcast the user's private Wi-Fi network at the specified future time.
11. The communications system of claim 10 , wherein the specified location is a complex remote from a home location of the user, and the specified future time is a future date.
The communications system where a server manages access points to provide single-user service sets, is designed for remote locations. The user requests a personal Wi-Fi network for a future date at a location away from their home. The server then configures the appropriate access point in the remote location to broadcast the specified network at the user's requested time.
12. The communications system of claim 11 , wherein the complex is one of a housing complex, an office complex, an industrial complex, a school, a university, a military installation, and a hospital.
In the communications system, the remote location where single-user service sets can be set up can be any of the following complexes: housing complexes, office complexes, industrial complexes, schools, universities, military installations, and hospitals. The system facilitates providing custom wireless networks to users in these diverse environments.
13. The communications system of claim 11 , wherein the complex is a housing complex, and the request to access the service set is received as part of the user making a reservation to stay at the housing complex starting on the future date.
The communications system is used in housing complexes, such as hotels or apartments. A request to set up a personal Wi-Fi network at a future date is integrated into the reservation process. When the user books a stay, their Wi-Fi preferences are automatically requested and configured for their arrival.
14. The communications system of claim 11 , wherein the complex is a housing complex, the user is a member of an affinity group associated with the housing complex, the configuration information is stored as part of the user's affinity group profile, and the request to access the single-user service set is generated automatically when the user makes a reservation to stay at the housing complex starting on the future date.
In a housing complex environment, the communications system offers further integration by incorporating affinity groups. If the user is part of a group, their Wi-Fi preferences are pre-stored. When they book, the request for a personalized Wi-Fi network is automatically generated, configured, and ready to go at the specified time.
15. The communications system of claim 10 , further comprising: an administrator computing device located at the specified location, wherein the administrator computing device comprises hardware and software to receive the configuration information from the server and to transmit the configuration information to the selected access point.
The communications system includes an administrator computer located at the specific site. The server sends the Wi-Fi configuration information (network name, password) to this administrator computer. The administrator computer then relays this information to the designated access point, which configures the user's personal Wi-Fi network.
16. The communications system of claim 10 , the server further comprising: hardware and software to authenticate an identity of the user prior to accepting the request to access the single-user service set.
The communications system enhances security by authenticating the user's identity at the server level. Before accepting the request to establish a single-user service set, the server verifies the user's credentials, ensuring only authorized individuals can schedule personal Wi-Fi networks.
17. The communications system of claim 10 , the selected access point further comprising: hardware and software to authenticate an identity of the user prior to configuring the access point to support the single-user service set at the specified future time.
As an additional security layer, the communications system has the access point authenticate the user's identity before it configures the single-user service set at the specified future time. This prevents unauthorized setup of private networks even if the initial server request was compromised.
18. The communications system of claim 10 , wherein the configuration information further comprises user policies.
The communications system allows for the inclusion of user-specific network policies within the Wi-Fi configuration data. These policies, such as bandwidth limits or restricted website access, allow for customized network experiences tailored to individual user requirements and preferences.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
May 20, 2015
March 7, 2017
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